Webb Accountancy named business of the year

It's hard to find another business, or family, in town that represents Cashmere as well as the Webb brothers of Webb Accountancy.

As children, Dennis, Keith and Randy Webb, the oldest of five siblings, grew up on Cottage Avenue. They graduated from Cashmere High School and were all Eagle Scouts. They even worked at Tiny's, the iconic mega fruit stand that was a symbol of Cashmere in the 1950s and 1960s.

As adults, the Webbs raised their children in Cashmere. They have not only owned Webb Accountancy for more than 30 years but they also have generously impacted Cashmere and communities throughout the Wenatchee Valley, serving on numerous boards and foundations.

"They have quietly served the needs of the community in many ways for many years," said Ben Ellis, owner of Doane's Valley Pharmacy. "I think they are role models in how they serve the community and they are always quietly doing the right thing for Cashmere."

For being outstanding businessmen and community leaders, the Webbs will be honored March 15 at the Cashmere Chamber of Commerce's annual Recognition Dinner and Auction. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. at Riverside Center.

"They're wonderful people," said Steve Crossland, an attorney in Cashmere and longtime friend. "They care about our community and have created a wonderful legacy for our community."

The family business was started in 1972 by the Webbs' father, Garr Webb. Garr retired from the IRS at that time and bought a small bookkeeping business in Leavenworth. He had visions of working with his sons some day. Well known in the Upper Valley, Garr was an active community volunteer as well as a city councilman for 16 years.

At that time, the brothers were scattered throughout the West. They admit that working together really wasn't on their minds but they unknowingly were setting themselves up for a partnership. Each was working in accounting. Dennis was a public accountant working for a large accounting firm. Keith was in industry and manufacturing. And Randy was working for the government.

"So we had a good mix of backgrounds to help with our firm," Keith said.

When Garr died only five years later, Randy came home to run the business alone. Soon after, the brothers began talking about whether they could run the business together.

They would learn over the years that working with family made their business stronger. When you have a difference of opinion, you have to work it out because you are family, Dennis said.

"The family unity has given us a foundation to build on so we can work through our differences," he said.

Dennis was the first to join Randy at Webb Accountancy. A second office was opened in Cashmere in the fall 1981. Keith joined his brothers in 1983. In 1994, a third office was opened in East Wenatchee. That office five years ago was moved to Wenatchee. Today, the business headquarters is in Cashmere and the Webbs rotate between the offices.

Webb Accountancy, which specializes in tax preparation, small business accounting and estate planning, employs 13 people. Most of its clients are small business owners. Many clients are orchardists or work in the tourism industry, such as hotels, restaurants and visitor attractions. Clients are from throughout the Wenatchee Valley, as well as Chelan, Quincy and outside the area, including throughout the West.

And Webb Accountancy has been a true family experience. The Webbs' sister, Sue Regan, has been working beside her brothers since 1988. Spouses have worked for the office over the years. And a plethora of daughters and sons have put in their time. Dennis' son, Denny, has an accounting certificate and works for the business, too.

Part of the Webbs' business philosophy has included giving back to the community they do business in.

"I think everybody should do something to give back to the community they make their livelihood in," Dennis said.

Each of the brothers has been a Rotary president. All have done their share of serving on the Cashmere School Foundation, coaching youth sports and leading young Boy Scouts. Keith served on the community committee to build Vale Elementary School and was treasurer of the Cashmere Chamber for four years. Dennis is a former president of the Wenatchee Valley Chamber and has been on the Cascade Medical Center Foundation for more than 20 years. Randy was a city councilman for 15 years. Webb Accountancy also volunteers its services to several local nonprofits.

And each of the brothers, as well as their father, has served as a bishop in their church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The church has played a major role in the men's upbringing and their lives today. In fact, Randy and his wife, Sue, left in August 2011 on a mission to Novosibirsk, Siberia. At the time of this interview, Randy was still in Russia and expected to return to Cashmere this month.

"We do the service because we feel like we can help people," Keith said. "Service is about helping some organization or group of people do better. It comes naturally with our personalities."

Gerrie Slechta, the men's mother, said she always knew her sons would amount to something special.

"They are choice kids," she said. "They're just sweet, righteous men. They work hard and they have the interest of their clients at heart. I'm proud of them."